9th
So its been a while since I’ve updated (or contacted my friends). The reason is that I’ve been spending day and night resarching and designing (a bit obsessively) a “High Altitude Balloon”. The idea is that you build and program a fully funcional data retrieving/picture taking robot, strap it to a giant weather balloon, and let it go…. and yes, this is perfectly legal (given that you contact the FAA prior to launch and include a radar reflector). I guess the only thing holding me up from beginning construction is that I need an amateur radio (HAM) license in order to use powerful radio equipment to communicate with the ballon. It doesn’t cost much to get this license, but it requires that I study up, and take (and pass) a test. Generally the result is pictures like the one below (which is bloody amazing!).
I know… you think I’m crazy… I am. But it’s okay.
(picture via: make)
